The popularity of Afternoon Tea shows no signs of abating and in an effort to go that extra mile and offer something a little different from the traditional Tea, I have noticed more and more themed teas appearing on the menu.
In my opinion this is no bad thing and to be welcomed. I am enjoying seeing the creativity from the chefs and trying out these alternative twists on the classic British tradition.
On Sunday I found myself at The Ampersand Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in South Kensington trying out the Wimbledon themed Afternoon Tea. I took along my husband (the blonde who needs to opt for a dairy free option) for company.
We ordered the Champagne Wimbledon Afternoon Tea, at the time of ordering we were asked if there were any dietary requirements and so we asked if it was possible to have a dairy free afternoon tea for the husband. We had to wait a little longer for our food to arrive as the chef was whipping up some delightful alternatives for my husband.
The Drawing Rooms where Afternoon Tea is served is a gorgeous and stylish lounge setting. I loved the cool decor and the ambiance was incredibly relaxed and informal, there was unimposing background music being played.
We were brought a glass of champagne each and chose our teas to accompany the food. I opted for an Afternoon Tea with notes of caramel whilst my husband went for a light Darjeeling which were both great options.
Wimbledon Afternoon Tea served 21st June to 6th July
My menu
Savoury Gougeres
Gloucester Old spot ham, sauce gribiche
H. Forman & Son London smoked salmon, dill & cream
cheese
Coronation chicken
Cheese with fruit chutney
Homemade white chocolate and plain scones served with Devonshire
clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve
Pastries
Coconut mousse & mango passion fruit jelly tennis ball on a lime cake tennis court
Gingerbread tennis racket
Strawberry and cream tart
Blueberry white chocolate ganache macaroon
Pimm’s cocktail shot
What a menu! Not a finger sandwich in sight or an egg mayonnaise filling... and the pastries and sweets were made of all the elements that make up the perfect Wimbledon experience - A tennis racket, the ball on the green grass lawn, strawberries and cream tart, a macaroon in the Wimbledon colours and finally a Pimms shot.
The mini rolls were so light to bite into and yet so deceivingly filling. I loved every single one of them, my favourite had to be the Coronation chicken, I would really like it to appear more on Afternoon tea menus.
The scones were warm and delicious. The pastries were utterly delightful, there wasn't one that was left.
This Wimbledon themed Afternoon Tea was so so good. The taste every bit as good as its appearance!
We have to give the chef huge credit for catering to my husband's request for dairy free at such short notice, his sweets were composed of meringues and plenty of fruit which he enjoyed immensely.
To sum up - A stylish, charming and informal setting. Fabulous food. Well worth a visit.
Wimbledon Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel £32.50 (£44.50 with a glass of Champagne)
*Look out for further themed teas, alternatively the Classic Afternoon Tea costs £27.50 (£39.50 with a glass of Champagne)
